Dear Sirs

Ref: Planning Application for rear extension to form a new kitchen and en-suite for Mr & Mrs Hall at Norwood, Buxton Road, Longnor, Buxton, Derbyshire. SK17 0NZ.

Design, Access & Justification Statement to support the above Planning Application

Norwood is a named bungalow on Buxton Road nearing the outskirts of Longnor. It holds a slightly elevated position above Buxton Road, as do the other surrounding properties. The existing access will not be altered and this proposal cannot be seen from Buxton Road.

The proposal applies to construct a rear extension to Norwood which will allow for a new kitchen and utility area leading safely to the outside patio/yard area whilst still affording a pathway all around this property. With this new kitchen, utility and en-suite complete the existing kitchen will be turned into a nursery. As Mr & Mrs Hall have a young child and their second is due within the next few months the need for a new nursery is basically the driving force behind this proposal.

The design consideration for the proposal evolved with consideration to the neighbouring properties and the style and position of the existing dwelling. The footprint has remained the same throughout the design evolution. It needed to be of a practical size to warrant the development. But also restricted in size as to remain far enough away from all boundaries to enable access around the property for refuse bin movements, general maintenance, a narrow boundary walled border for planting and neighbours views. Initially a typical side extension was considered creating a valley between the new and existing but this put a gable which would have been more prominent to the South-East and a valley gutter which was just asking for water leaks. This changed to an extension which hipped into to the existing roof and extended North-Eastery. However, this then put a prominent gable to the North-East. It was decided that this layout was better and looked more in keeping with a typical extension but the North-Eastery gable was hipped to reduce the roofline and impact at this point. The actual design criteria was an easy consideration. Basically, our lead was taken from the existing property which has rendered walls, white U-PVC windows and doors and Staffordshire Blue roof tiles. This is our proposed specification. It was thought to follow the style on the sides of the property where a dwarf wall, for want of a better term, is exposed below the render, but as it does not exist on the rear of the property we have followed this style with our proposal and left it off.

Surrounding Norwood there are many well established trees and hedgerow. Most in adjacent gardens and some along the roadside. These along with the different levels each property is built to make it very difficult to see this proposal from the neighbouring properties. The adjacent property to the South East is lower, has no windows facing Norwood and there outside view is obscured by a garage and outbuildings. The adjacent property to the North-West is set back from Norwood, has trees along the walled boundary and no windows, apart from an entrance porch, facing Norwood. The only other property adjacent to Norwood is to the North-East and the existing wall and hedgerow will screen it along with the reduced hipped gable design will not be intrusive on their existing view.

Surface water and foul sewage created from this proposal will be connected to the existing mains systems which are currently directed into mains drains

This proposal as stated will be used as a kitchen, utility and en-suite allowing for the old kitchen to be turned in to a new nursery.

With regards to the ‘Local Physical, Economic and Social Context’ as referred in ‘Section 3 – Design & Access’, we would suggest that this proposed development does not present any contradictions to the requirement.

We propose this application will have a minimal effect on any growing indigenous wildlife and apart from the overall roofline will not be seen clearly from any aspect due to the existing surrounding dwellings different heights of build and topography.

Should you have any queries or require additional information please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned

Yours Faithfully

Nigel Booth For and on behalf of Mr & Mrs M Hall